Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) usually provides effective relief within a short period of time. Patients typically report increased urine flow within a few days. Initially, patients may experience some pain or discomfort during urination, but this usually subsides.

General risks associated with anesthesia (e.g., allergic reaction or breathing difficulties) and surgery (e.g., infection or excessive bleeding) are also factors in TURP. In addition, patients often experience some post-operative blood in their urine.

TURP can cause impotence and loss of bladder control in some patients, but these side effects are usually temporary. Pelvic floor muscle exercises known as Kegel exercises often aid bladder control, while patients generally report normal sexual function a few weeks to months after surgery. However, in some cases it may take up to a year before the patient fully recovers these functions. Other difficulties may include:

• Retrograde ejaculation (passing the semen into the bladder instead of out through the urethra).This can cause orgasms without external ejaculation.
  
  
• Scarring and narrowing in the urethra or bladder neck.
  
  
• Need for repeat prostate surgery due to scar tissue or prostate tissue growing back.
  
  
• Infertility.